The Budget recognises the significance of the tourism industry as a major contributor to the Australian economy now and into the future, ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley said today.

Tourism Australia has retained its budget with no cuts to its $131 million in funding

$43 million from the previous Government’s TIRF program has been redirected into a “new Tourism Demand-Driver Infrastructure Programme”

$10 million in expanded funding for the ADS scheme

$2 million to support the staging of the successful Australia Week in China

“We are pleased to see the Government has stayed good to its word and provided support for the tourism industry and its growth into the future,” Mr Shelley said.

“Funding for Tourism Australia is a vital part of our success in the international tourism market and the Government has shown full support for the industry by its commitment to its funding base.”

“ATEC welcomes the additional $10 million in funding to support the growth of the Approved Destination Status (ADS), the tourism arrangement between China and Australia.

“China is a valuable export tourism market and its potential growth is significant, so it is critical visitors arriving under this program are provided with a broad range of quality experiences, and resources which support performance and quality control measures for this market are most welcome.”

Mr Shelley said industry funding provided under the previous TIRF program would also be retained in the industry at a time when the Government was looking to make as many savings as possible.

“The Government has re-directed the TIRF funding back to the tourism industry ensuring we continue to benefit from investment in tourism infrastructure which is a welcome move.

“At a time when the tourism industry is delivering close to $30 billion to the Australian economy, the Government has delivered a budget that will continue to support growth of the industry which has been recognised as one of the five industries to drive future economic grow for Australia.

“We welcome the tourism measures in this Budget as a sound and forward-thinking investment in an industry that has a strong future.

“We welcome the support of Treasurer Joe Hockey and particularly the Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Andrew Robb, for his engagement and strong support in championing our industry during the budget process.”